Bettel on Brexit: The best would be a new referendum with yes

EU27 leaders agreed to delay Brexit until 31 October 2019. Their decision was taken in agreement with the UK and Mr Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg Prime Minister mentioned: It is a pity that we needed a divorce to show how many advantages you have by being a member of the family. UK will still be our friends, our neighbours but not around the table.

The best outcome would be a new referendum with yes!Xavier Bettel

EU27 leaders took note of the letter sent by UK Prime Minister Theresa May asking for a further extension to the Article 50 period. They agreed to an extension to allow for the ratification of the withdrawal agreement.

Such an extension should last only as long as necessary and, in any event, no longer than 31 October. If the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties before this date, the withdrawal will take place on the first day of the following month. #EUCO

The question about a rethink about Brexit has to be solved in London, I am not responsible for what happens in London before, during or after the referendum and now during the divorce phase. I never give up hope that some politicians in London will be less politicians and think about the future of the UK and its relations, because the uncertainty that we have at the moment is bad for the UK economy and bad for people, they don’t know what the future will be, what rights they will have in the EU and EU citizens don’t know what rights they have in London. I hope that we will have a happy end soon. #UnitedKingdom #BREMAIN We can’t exclude anything here. I hope that a deal will be found, the best outcome would be a new referendum with yes.

European Council (Article 50) conclusions

EU27 leaders stressed that the UK will have to hold European Parliament elections if it is still a member of the EU between 23 and 26 May 2019. If the UK fails to hold the elections, it will leave the EU on 1 June 2019.

The European Council (Article 50) reiterated that there could be no reopening of the agreement. Any unilateral commitment, statement or other act should be compatible with the letter and the spirit of the withdrawal agreement. Leaders also noted that the extension could not be used to start negotiations on the future relationship. “However, if the position of the United Kingdom were to evolve, the European Council is prepared to reconsider the Political Declaration on the future relationship,” they said.

Finally, the heads of state or government took note of the UK’s commitment to act in a constructive and responsible manner during this time.

What next for Theresa May and her Brexit deal?

Is this the Final Countdown or just the beginning of EU – UK Brexit negotiations?